The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral David Brooks Robinson (NSN: 0-669469), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander, Naval Surface Forces, United States Pacific Fleet, from April 1993 to April 1996. Vice Admiral Robinson’s exceptional accomplishments across a broad spectrum of areas were absolutely essential to the tremendous success of the surface forces, and of the Pacific Fleet while executing theater and national taskings. His visionary leadership and personal commitment to the Sailors of the Force forged a path for monumental changes to be accomplished in the Pacific Fleet Surface Forces during his tenure. Throughout a reduction of more than 40 ships, and three shore stations under his command, SURFPAC forces were able to meet every commitment because Vice Admiral Robinson had ensured they were well maintained, superbly trained, and efficiently manned. He oversaw a complete reorganization of the operational structure of the Cruiser, Destroyer and Amphibious forces of the Force, an incremental consolidation of maintenance infrastructure and procedures to accommodate reduced budgets and to gain economies of scale; and the implementation, refinement and maturation of the Tactical Training Strategy. His unswerving personal efforts and tireless dedication to the Navy allowed him to be an unparalleled steward of taxpayer’s dollars while maintaining a vital and active force to meet any contingency. Vice Admiral Robinson’s superb leadership skills, remarkable resourcefulness, and unselfish devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral David Brooks Robinson (NSN: 0-669469), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Deputy Commander in Chief and Chief of Staff, U.S. Pacific Fleet, from December 1991 to January 1993. Rear Admiral Robinson’s stalwart professionalism, loyal dedication and flawless judgment were crucial factors in achieving a remarkable record of overall readiness and operational performance throughout the Pacific Fleet. His superior comprehension of the complexities associated with running a Fleet contributed immensely to maintaining unprecedented levels of responsiveness and sustainment to Operation SOUTHERN WATCH, regional cruises, and natural disasters OMAR and INIKI, providing full support of National strategic goals in the Pacific theater. Rear Admiral Robinson’s superior grasp of international political issues, domestic policy considerations, and Pacific Naval capabilities was invaluable, guiding the fleet to enhance deterrence and promoting regional stability. His considerable operational experience and thorough grasp of Joint Staff operations were critical to maintaining mission capability while restructuring operational commitments and force distribution to accommodate diminishing resources. Rear Admiral Robinson’s outstanding professional ability, unsurpassed loyalty, and selfless devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.